Desecrating graves is inhuman, those responsible will be brought to justice: interim govt

Bangladesh’s interim government has condemned the attack on the tomb and complex of a fringe religious figure popularly known as “Nural Pagla” in Rajbari and the digging up and burning of his body.

It said that action is being taken to ensure that the culprits are punished.

The government issued the statement on Friday night after the incident, which occurred after Jummah prayers earlier in the day.

Nurul Haque aka “Nural Pagla” was a resident of Rajbari. In the 1980s, he claimed he was the “Imam Mahdi”, a prophetic figure in Islam. He had previously moved away due to conflicts with locals.

However, he recently returned to the area and built a following. This stirred controversy in the community.

Nurul died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka on Aug 23. He was then taken home and buried. However, the attackers alleged that his grave had been raised higher than normal and given the appearance of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam.

As the district administration attempted to calm tensions between Nurul’s followers and locals, a mob formed after Jumma prayers and attacked his tomb and the building complex, vandalising it and setting fires.

The statement from the interim government said: “The Interim Government strongly condemns the desecration of the grave and burning of the body of Nurul Haque Molla, also known as Nura Pagla, in Goalanda. This inhuman and heinous act is a direct attack on our values, our laws and the fundamental foundations of a just and civilised society.”

“Such barbarity will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The Interim Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the sanctity of every human life, both during life and after death.

“We assure the public that those involved in this heinous crime will be identified and brought to justice through the fullest application of the law. No individual or group is above accountability. Swift and strict legal action is being taken to ensure that those involved in this heinous act are duly punished.”

The statement, addressed to the general public, said: “We call on every citizen of the country to clearly reject hatred and violence. Unite against violence and make a concerted effort to uphold the ideals of justice and humanity.”

Initial reports suggested around 50 people were injured in the attack on the grave and the burning of the body. Authorities later said 22 people had been taken to hospital with injuries. In addition, the Upazila administrator’s car and police vehicles were also vandalised.

Regarding the casualties, Goalanda Upazila administrator (UNO) Nahidur Rahman said that he could not give the exact number of casualties as the situation is developing.

However, Nurul’s son Mehedi Noor Zilani told reporters on Wednesday, “My father was a preacher of the religion of Imam Mahadi. After his death, he was buried a little higher according to his will and in accordance with the provisions of Islam.”

He said, “The allegation of raising the grave to 12 feet is not true. It could be three to four feet higher. Lies and propaganda are being spread against us.”